I was appalled by the lack of enforced regulation with this issue in Philadelphia. I had no idea that something this horrible was going on right under our noses and nobody seemed to care. What really made me angry was that this was mostly affecting low-income neighborhoods because it basically says that they are not important and their lives and future aren’t either. I am disgusted by this and something needs to be done immediately!

How do earth systems affect each other?

• The earth systems are categorized by four spheres: the lithosphere, atmosphere, biosphere, and the hydrosphere. These spheres help make up life within the earth, they are so interwoven with each other that a slight change in one of them can cause a ripple effect through all of them. For example cows within the food industry are part of the biosphere but they affect the atmosphere because they produce methane which traps heat in the earth. Thus propelling global warming.

What efforts can we make to create a sustainable future?

• There are many things that we can do to create a sustainable future. These can be in the form of; recycling, renewable energy (solar panels), using fewer meat products or switching to a plant-based diet, Getting products from local farms, Using more environmentally savvy modes of transportation (riding a bicycle), and many more! It is in our best interest to protect the earth because it is our home.

Reaction

• I was very alarmed at the information we learned over the course of this project. The farming industry alone contributes largely to global warming, and pollution through greenhouse gases in the world. It is high time that we start paying attention to what’s actually in our food and start using more renewable sources of energy so that our planet can survive!